Outcry continues for new Horsham hospital as Novartis site plans revealed

West Sussex County Council has put forward proposals to turn the site off Wimblehurst Road into a mixed-use scheme, creating hundreds of homes and an enterprise park. For an in-depth look at the plans click here: New plans for Horsham Novartis unveiled

When the council announced in July it was set to stage a consultation on the plans there was an outcry from residents for the area to be turned into a new hospital.

A new hospital? A giant coffee shop? What you think should replace Horsham’s Novartis

The consultation was held at the Holbrook Club on Wednesday (September 26) and has since sparked more pleas for a new hospital in the town.

Commenting on the County Times Facbook page Jade Durrant said: “It would of made an amazing hospital! Bigger and better than what we have with wards etc that we need in the forever growing town.”

Tricia Downes said: “I still think it would make an ideal hospital which is much needed in Horsham. I worked there for a long time, years ago, and remember the layout which in my opinion would make a great hospital. Also all the land would be ideal for car parks and additional buildings.”

Daniel Sheldrake said: “Should of built a hospital release the pressure off Redhill/Haywards Heath hospitals also a hospital very local to us in Horsham even another school/GP services that Horsham is in need of.”

Ros James simply said: “It should be a new hospital...we desperately need one!”

Other suggestions have also been put forward for the site including the creation of a new school.

Francesca Wilson said: “It’s a big site. It feels a shame not to put something big there like a hospital or a new secondary school.”

Natalie Smith said: “We need more schools, doctors, a hospital, dental practices. How are we going to sustain more housing with the limited resources we already have here?”

However, there were some who disagreed.

Janis Randall said: “As much as we need a new hospital with A&E - where on earth would the funding come from??? Where would the medical staff come from??? - Same with the school idea.”

She added the site would be ‘ideal’ to create facilities for younger people including a new bowling alley, a youth club and an ice rink, as well as meeting and eating places.

Claire Harrison said: “As lovely as it would be to have a nice new state of the art hospital for the community this is not the right site. Transport access is too constrained owing to the level crossing and narrow roads. It may be ok for a medical centre type place but would not work as a big emergency care / a&e hospital.”

The plans are set to go back on display at County Hall North (Parkside), in Chart Way, Horsham, from October 1 until October 12.

You can also view them online at westsussex.gov.uk/horshamenterprisepark where you can leave your feedback on the scheme.